PhD Scholarships: Inspiring Brighter Futures: Youth Engagement and Wellbeing (Social Return on Inves

Griffith Health Research spans five different Schools and works with research centres and institutes around the globe dedicated to a future where healthcare caters for all people in all communities.

This role will work closely with staff in the School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work and the Centre for Applied Health Economics in the School of Medicine and Dentistry, within Griffith Health.

The School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work is known for innovation and excellence in health education, research, clinical practice, human services and social work. We focus on addressing many of the health challenges facing people and have extensive ties to local, national and international communities.

At the forefront of an evolving healthcare system, health economists, health services researchers, implementation scientists and biostatisticians at the Centre for Applied Health Economics (CAHE) are conducting multidisciplinary research to deliver leading advice, with significant impact on policy. World-class multidisciplinary research from the Centre delivers economic and health benefits through applying innovative methods and analysis, providing the catalyst for solutions to complex problems. Candidates will gain deep expertise in health economics, policy synthesis, and cost-benefit analysis, while developing the skills to publish in high-impact journals and contribute meaningfully to interdisciplinary research.

This opportunity will be primarily based at Logan. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith University sites are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to develop and implement a framework for determining the economic impact and cultural return on investment for the Youth Engagement and Wellbeing project. The primary focus of this opportunity is to develop methods of determining the social return on investment for youth wellbeing and related projects. This project will specifically include evaluating the Youth Engagement and Wellbeing Project being led by Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation (IBFF). Success in this role will require effective collaboration with IBFF, to this end.

This PhD offers a unique opportunity to explore the Social Return on Investment (SROI) of Youth Engagement and Wellbeing initiatives — quantifying impact beyond traditional metrics.

Youth programs often deliver profound outcomes: improved mental health, stronger community ties, and enhanced life trajectories. Yet these benefits are rarely captured in economic terms. This research will develop innovative SROI frameworks to measure the true social and economic value of youth-focused interventions.

Research Focus

• Apply and refine SROI methodologies for youth wellbeing programs
• Integrate qualitative and quantitative data to capture complex outcomes
• Engage with stakeholders to map impact pathways and validate findings

Your findings should have real world impact by informing:

• Government and NGO funding decisions
• Program design for youth mental health, education, and inclusion
• Broader debates on preventative investment and value-based care Add any Group/Element/Project specifics

The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, you will be able to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including young people and people from varying professional and cultural backgrounds. You will have evidence of a passion for the social and economic value of human service programs and a strong desire to undertake research in evaluating the economic and social benefits of youth wellbeing programs.

• Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure.  For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.

Please note:

• We’re seeking a researcher with a background in health economics, public health, psychology, or social policy. You’ll be passionate about equity, youth empowerment, and translating evidence into policy and practice.

International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:

1. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
2. A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
3. A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19

About the scholarship

The 2025 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $34,752 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.  An additional $10,000 per annum industry-funded top-up scholarship is also available courtesy of our partner, IBFF.

A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.

What Griffith offers

As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).

EoI process

Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to [email protected] containing:

• Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
• Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section, including a  copy of your academic transcript
• A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
• Names of two referees

Closing date for expressions of interest is: Monday 29 September 2025 at 5pm AEST

The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line

For project related enquiries please contact:

Associate Professor Paul Harris

Email: [email protected]

For administration enquiries please contact:

Griffith Graduate Research School

Email: [email protected]